Top Three Ways To Consume CBD

CBD has become increasingly popular. In fact, it is estimated 1 in 7 adults currently use a CBD-based product to elevate their health and wellness. The market has become saturated with a vast amount of CBD products, and it can be overwhelming to consumers. In this guide, we will help clear up the confusion and explain the three main ways to consume CBD to help you better understand what products may be right for you.

Out of the many products with CBD to purchase, there are three main routes of administration to choose from. There are orally administered cannabinoids, such as edibles or tinctures. We can apply them topically through lotions or CBD patches. And lastly, we can smoke or vape them, administering the cannabinoids by the route of inhalation. As consumers it is important to understand how cannabinoids work with the body and the metabolism, to know the expected onset and duration of what is being consumed. With this information, one is able to then better know what product they may need for their individual goals with cannabinoids and what time of day the product may be needed.

Oral Administration

Administering CBD orally is favored among consumers due to its long-lasting effects. Additionally, many consumers like oral options, such as edibles, as they feel the dosing is more accurate. However, when taking cannabinoids orally, the body only absorbs an average of 6% of the cannabinoid. This is due to orally ingested cannabinoids extensive first-pass metabolism. This is a phenomenon where a drug or supplement concentration is greatly reduced before it reaches systemic circulation and can have an effect. This means that when you take a 10mg edible, you are absorbing much less than 10mg, and in turn, the dosing is much less accurate than one would think.

Orally ingested CBD has the longest onset time compared to all other routes, taking 60 to 180 minutes to take effect. However, it has the advantage of lasting the longest, with the effects being felt 6 to 8 hours dependent on the individual. Orally ingested cannabinoids are ideal for those looking to feel the therapeutic effects for an extended period of time, such as patients managing baseline symptoms throughout their day.

Inhalation

Inhalation by the way of smoking or vaping achieves the most rapid delivery of cannabinoids to the body. After inhaling CBD, the effects are felt within 5 to 10 minutes and can last 2 to 4 hours dependent on the individual. CBD smokables are ideal for those who want to feel the effects almost immediately and are great for patients to manage breakthrough symptoms throughout their days.

Topical Administration

Topical CBD product’s ability to work is highly dependent on the quality of the formulation. If the cannabinoid compound fails to mix with water, it can lead to poor drug diffusion across the aqueous layer of skin. This then hinders the absorption of CBD. If the product is formulated correctly, the effects can be felt in an average of 20 to 30 minutes. Topical CBD products are great for targeting a specific area of the body.

When choosing what CBD product is right for you, it is important to consider the various routes of administration available and how each will affect you. The products needed can differ throughout the day, and in some cases, all routes of administration may be valuable. When using CBD products, it is best to take note of how each product affects you and over time you will learn exactly what you need.